Car Hunting
I’m in the market for a new car right now, which is proving to be a rather daunting task. There’s just a whole hell of a lot of information about cars out there, and I’m typically not a very detail oriented person. I guess I’m more of an impulse buyer. You may remember that’s how I ended up with a five dollar guinea pig named ‘The Dude’, another project I quickly lost interest in after learning of the continual maintenance and feeding it requires. I wasn’t looking for a life partner, just five bucks worth of entertainment. I had to dump that off on my mom, and then later to Stephanie of the Steve Dahl Show.
I won’t be making an impulse buy on the new car though, as it costs a little more than five dollars. I’ve decided that I want to buy American, because that’s just the kind of Midwestern cowboy I am. Also, being an activist, environmentalist, and humanitarian, I have been looking into the hybrid technology. Ford makes an Escape SUV I’ve had my eye on, but it’s hard to get a feel for where the hybrid technology stands. I don’t need the thing spontaneously combusting or catching fire while I’m driving, or shocking me into oblivion and possibly sending me to the future with 1.21 gigawatts of electricity flowing through my veins. But, Kermit the Frog himself vouches for the Escape, and I don’t think that loveable frog would attach his sacred name to any sort of inferior product. He assures me that, “It IS easy being green�, and I’ve always loved that song, so I’m prone to believe him. He is one of the more trustworthy amphibians I know.
I’ve also been looking at some Chevy’s because I too have been described as, “like a rock�. Their Equinox seems like a good fit for me, but I happen to know that Brendan’s mom has one. Does that make it less cool? It’s hard to say really, I’ve been driving a red beetle for four years now. I guess I’ll continue my research, take a few test drives, and narrow it down from there.
Have any advice for me, or possibly a hybrid testimonial? Feel free to leave me a comment!
Comments
Hi Matt,
My husband has a Prius ( I know not American) but it is a great car. He drives 22 miles a day and only uses about $10.00 a week in gas. We love it. The other cool thing is that on the Prius you do not have a key, you have a computer chip. Go for a test drive it is so neat to pull away from a parking spot and the car is not running (you are running on the battery). Good luck
Posted by: Patti | April 17, 2007 06:56 PM
you guys put on a god show...
buy something cool, forget the earth man...maybe a mustang, or possibly a red VW bug? maybe a scooter?
Posted by: jason | April 17, 2007 08:37 PM
Don't get a scooter, get a Skoda.
Posted by: Kelly Groucutt | April 18, 2007 12:12 AM
Matt,
I am also in the market for a new car, you are right, the task is daunting but to help me along I went out and bought the 2007 ConsumerGuide Auto Buying Guide. It has all the information you need to compare the cars you want, including a page just on warranties. It cost $10 but I thought it was an invaluable tool for helping me decide.
Good luck with your purchase of whichever one you decide on.
Posted by: Sue | April 18, 2007 09:17 AM
Good luck trying to buy USA.
My mom's Chevy was 100% made in Canada.
My Mitsubishi 99% made in Normal, Illinois.
Go figure.
Posted by: Kevin | April 18, 2007 09:43 AM
That Kermit the Frog imitation was off the hizzie! Legit shiznit! Possibly a collaboration with him and Matty-D in the future?
Brendan, being the gangster you are, what's your thoughts on doing a little G-News? Or is that more up Matty-D's alley...
Posted by: T-Wiz (not to be confused with | April 20, 2007 06:06 AM
Hey Matt, just listening to the podcast (surprisingly good Kermit voice, by the way- I wouldn't have thought guys your age would be aware of the old-school muppets). Check out edmunds.com when you go to buy a car- good info on pricing.
Posted by: mike | April 20, 2007 10:19 AM
How about Auto Scoop?? I hate cars & buying cars and yet enjoy listening to the buying tips.
Posted by: JoAn | April 20, 2007 02:31 PM
matt,
great to see the guys from auto scoop are posting on your blog!
Posted by: patrick dahl | April 23, 2007 05:40 PM
Don't buy american, piece of junk. Toyota is actually made in america, and has hybrids as well, better quality than any american car. or get a bimmer or audi, at least service is covered for the next 50k miles or 4-5 years for free.
Posted by: bob sakamano | April 23, 2007 08:08 PM
I would like to thank all of you who buy Toyota and Honda. You are trully helping the economy. Of Japan!!!! Do you nice people know that even if the cars are made here the bulk of the profits go back overseas and help their economy. I am Mexican born but live here now. I consider this my country and shop concientiously wherever I can. Thanks Matt for remembering those of us who live and work here.
Posted by: ray ray | May 28, 2007 04:57 PM